Bread Machine White Bread
Classic bread machine white bread comes out soft, fluffy, and perfect every time. This essential pantry staple loaf smells amazing as it bakes in the bread maker and is the perfect pick for your next sandwich.
As the author of The Ultimate Bread Machine Cookbook, I'm passionate about making homemade bread for my family with my bread maker.
I've tested countless of different bread varieties over the years and I'm always excited to try the next fun flavor but what kitchen could possibly go without a classic white bread to use for sandwiches, toast, and to pair with soups?
If you've got kids like I do, you know that a soft and fluffy white bread with a slightly sweet flavor is perfect for picky eaters.
Once you try making this easy bread machine recipe, you won't ever want to go back to a store bought loaf again!
Why This is the Best Recipe
- Easy Prep, No Kneading: Let the bread machine do all the hard work, simply dump the ingredients in and press the button.
- Pantry Friendly, Budget Friendly: With a short list of easy ingredients, this is easy on your pantry budget.
- Perfect Texture and Flavor: Soft and fluffy with a tender crust, this is a great choice for picky eaters.
Ingredients
A soft white bread in your bread maker starts with this super short list of ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Sugar
- Canola Oil
- Egg
- Kosher Salt
- Active Dry Yeast: You do not need "bread machine yeast" but if that's what you have on hand it will absolutely work. I use Red Star yeast for my bread recipes.
Bread Machine Tips
As the author of The Ultimate Bread Machine Cookbook, I'm very passionate about baking homemade bread with a bread maker.
If you're curious and wondering if a bread maker is worth it, not only do I think the answer is yes but I've reviewed the most popular bread machine for beginners.
For this recipe, I used my Cuisinart bread machine because I love how easy it makes uniform loaves for slicing.
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Add the Wet Ingredients First
As with all my bread machine recipes, you start by adding the wet ingredients first.
Add the water, canola oil, and egg to the bread pan fitted with the paddle attachment.
Add the Dry Ingredients on Top
Then add the dry ingredients right on top!
I always weigh my flour on a food scale because the liquid to flour ratio is essential for getting the proper texture.
Then add the sugar and salt around the perimeter of the pan.
Dig a shallow well for the yeast and place it in the center like this:
Baking Instructions
Place the bread pan back into the bread maker.
Select the 1.5 pound setting and the BASIC/WHITE program.
Then select the level of darkness you want for the crust. I left mine on the standard dark setting but for a softer texture you should pick a medium.
Press Start. Depending on the machine you have it will take between 3 and 4 hours to completely.
Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. I find it easiest to get neat, clean slices the next day.
Make Ahead Tips
I love baking homemade bread in my bread machine because they hold up so well when stored in a bread bag on the counter for up to 3 - 4 days.
If you need it to last longer than that, I recommend slicing the entire loaf and then storing it in a freezer-safe bread bag.
You can reheat the slices right in the toaster for a warm, fresh bread smell and texture.
Variations
This white bread recipe is a soft and fluffy childhood classic but I also have a bread machine sourdough white bread recipe available if you keep sourdough starter in your kitchen.
I baked both loaves so I could compare them side by side for you:
My short summary is that if you want a softer, fluffy slice for the kids or for making a quick French toast, this white bread is the winner.
If you prefer a heartier, firmer loaf that slices very easily and neatly into thin pieces, you may want to try the sourdough version.
If you're looking for a white bread with a heartier texture or a crispier crust, you may also enjoy:
- Bread Machine French Bread: Crispy crust with a chewy interior, made with just water for a rustic feel.
- Bread Machine Italian Bread: A slightly richer bread made with milk to give a tender crumb and mild flavor.
- Bread Machine Potato Bread: Ultra-soft and moist due to the instant potato flakes that add a hint of sweetness and keep it fresh.
- Bread Machine Challah Bread: A rich egg bread with a lightly sweet flavor and a gorgeous golden color, this is a simple loaf recipe not a braid.
- Bread Machine Ciabatta Bread: Chewy, airy, and full of holes. Perfect for panini-style sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for the perfect bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich or use as a sturdy base for deli meats and cheese? This is your winner.
If you need a tasty piece of toast to spread your favorite butter and jam on, this is your go-to!
Want something to dunk into soup or turn into homemade breadcrumbs? You can't beat this neutral flavor. You'll think of a million ways to use this classic recipe!
More White Bread Bread Machine Recipes
Looking for more fantastic bread maker recipes? Here are a few of my best white breads if you want to try something a little different next time.
📖 Recipe
Bread Machine White Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 egg
- 3 cups (411 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 teaspoons yeast
Instructions Start Cooking
- Add the ingredients in the order they are listed to your bread machine pan fitted with the paddle attachment. Start with the wet ingredients and then add the dry ingredients.
- Select the 1.5-pound setting and the BASIC/WHITE program and press Start.
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This IS the perfect white bread recipe.
Hi Andrea,
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for sharing. I'm thrilled to hear you love the recipe.
Best wishes,
Tiffany